Jalapeno Mac and Cheese Bake

5 from 2 votes

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Nothing says comfort food better than mac and cheese and this Southwest Jalapeno Mac and Cheese Bake is one more reason to love it! With a crunchy bread crumb topping, this is loaded with bacon and diced jalapeño for a fantastic flavor punch. Great to serve at BBQs, picnics and family gatherings!

overhead shot of Jalapeño Mac and Cheese Bake in black bowlJalapeño Mac and Cheese Bake

Mac & Cheese for me is Comfort Food Number One. It’s the cheesy, warm pasta love that gets me every time. But unlike the boxed version with the orange powder, I found it to be a simple meal to make from scratch.

And I get to put in it exactly what I want. More sharp cheddar? Sure. Want it creamier? Sure, thin down the béchamel sauce and add more milk or cream.

In this recipe I decided to make up a batch of my favorite pasta and take it to the next level with some spice, some different cheeses and our good friend bacon.

After I made it the first time, I thought it would be great baked with a crunchy topping, too.

overhead photo of ingredients to make Jalapeño Mac and Cheese


How to make Jalapeño Mac and Cheese Bake

  • Cook butter and flour with some milk to make a bechamel sauce. Add cheddar cheese and paprika, stirring until all cheese is melted.
  • Render bacon until crisp. Remove and crumble when cooled.
  • Cook your pasta, but don’t rinse it. Add macaroni to the sauce and continue cooking.
  • Add cooked, crumbled bacon and chopped jalapeños and stir to incorporate with the mac and cheese.
  • Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a buttered 8×8 pan.
  • Add the crumbled queso fresco cheese on top (optional) and buttered bread crumbs.
  • Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F. Allow to cool for 10 minutes and firm up a little. Cut into squares and serve.
Jalapeño Mac and Cheese Bake in glass baking dish

I served the other day with some Pulled Pork Barbecue, but found myself eating it all by itself the next day for lunch. Pasta, bacon and cheese for lunch, yahoo!

overhead shot of Jalapeño Mac and Cheese Bake in black bowl on table

This is so good and I loved the queso fresco cheese mixed with the sharp cheddar cheese. The jalapeños add a nice touch of heat and this all works beautifully.

Feel free to mix and match whatever are your favorites cheeses. I’ve even used crumbled goat cheese for an extra tangy flavor.

The crunchy Panko and butter topping crisped and browned perfectly and the little poke of flavor from the cilantro comes through, too. Enjoy!

close up of black bowl with Jalapeño Mac and Cheese Bake
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Jalapeno Mac and Cheese Bake

5 from 2 votes
This homemade Mac and Cheese Bake gets beefed up with crisp bacon, jalapeños and a buttery-crisp Panko crumb topping makes for one delicious side dish at any picnic, potluck or dinner.
Servings: 8 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • In a large saucepan over medium low heat melt the butter and add the flour. Cook for several minutes until a golden brown and slowly whisk in the milk to avoid any lumps. Add the cheddar cheese, kosher salt, black pepper and paprika, constantly whisking until all cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  • Cook elbow macaroni al dente (about 7 minutes) in heavily salted water and drain. Add macaroni, chopped bacon and jalapeños to cheese sauce and stir to incorporate completely.
  • Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a buttered 8×8" or 9×9" pan and crumble queso fresco evenly over top.
  • In a small bowl mix the Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter and chopped cilantro and crumble mixture on top.
  • Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F. Allow to cool for 10 minutes and firm up a little. Cut into squares and serve. Top with more crumbled queso fresco if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 582kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 924mg | Potassium: 297mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1285IU | Calcium: 451mg | Iron: 1.7mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Course: Pasta, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Western
Have You Made This Recipe? Let Me Know on InstagramTag @keviniscooking or tag me #keviniscooking!
Mac and Cheese Bake gets beefed up with crisp bacon, jalapeños and a buttery-crisp Panko crumb topping

Kevin

Whether in the kitchen or on the grill, you’ll find me cooking American favorites with a love for BBQ, Mexican and Tex Mex. I’m passionate about making tasty food because life’s too short to be bland!

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8 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Mac n cheese definitely screams comfort food! Love the flavour here too with bacon and jalapeno! Delish, my friend 🙂

  2. Hey Kevin! This looks fantastic! I love mac & cheese! I agree that with you that it is the ideal comfort food (especially with bacon!). I always add a little cayenne or chipotle to mine, along with lots of cheese.